Also, the number was a 53 percent decrease from five years ago, and was the lowest number of homicides since 1972. And allowing for population changes, last year showed the lowest homicide rate since 1965, the sheriff’s department reported.

“Thanks to the trust of the public, community partnerships, and the brave and dedicated efforts of the sheriff’s deputies and professional staff of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, we have seen historic lows in crime, Sheriff Lee Baca said in a statement.

Most notable, according to the sheriff’s department, were decreases in homicides in the Compton Station area, which includes the city of Compton and nearby unincorporated areas; and in the Century Station area, which includes the city of Lynwood and nearby unincorporated areas.

Compton Station area homicides were reduced by about 38 percent last year, with 26 homicides in 2010, compared with 42 homicides in 2009.

In the Century Station area, homicides declined about 21 percent, with 26 homicides in 2010, compared with 33 homicides in 2009.

In all areas, violent crimes declined about 2 percent in 2010 from 2009; and property crimes declined by 2.8 percent.